Elle King is confronting a challenging moment from earlier this year with her unreleased track, “Banned From the Grand Ole Opry.” In a recent social media post, King shared a video of herself performing the song, which appears to address her widely criticized performance at the Opry in early 2024.
The song seems to directly reference the infamous incident where King appeared onstage during a Grand Ole Opry event celebrating Dolly Parton’s birthday. During the performance, King, visibly intoxicated, openly admitted she was “f–king hammered,” heckled the audience, and struggled through the lyrics to Parton’s “Marry Me,” even cursing onstage. The Opry, which prides itself on maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere, issued a public apology following the incident.
The use of explicit language was a significant issue, as the Opry enforces a code of conduct that prohibits profanity and obscene language, especially considering its shows are broadcast live on radio and must adhere to FCC regulations.
While King’s future with the Opry remains uncertain, her new song reflects both regret and acknowledgment of the historical precedent for country legends being ousted from the iconic venue. The lyrics of “Banned From the Grand Ole Opry” highlight her remorse but also nod to the rebellious streak that has long been a part of country music’s storied past.
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